The Joby Gorillapod Focus (MSRP $149.95) is a professional-grade tripod for the adventurer that doesn’t want to leave high quality camera equipment behind.

If a shot is imaginable, it is most likely doable with this sturdy-yet-malleable accessory, built to support up to 11.1 lbs (5kg) of SLR telescopic zoom or heavy video recorders. Gorillapod Focus itself weighs in at 1.1 lbs (500g), measures 11.4” x 3.6” x 3.6” and fits easily into most daypacks.

The machined aluminum sockets on Gorillapod Focus make it the star of the Gorillapod family, gripping, wrapping and holding in a way that makes it worthy of the precious equipment it is holding, often in precarious positions. You wouldn’t expect something so tough to be so flexible.

It is disconcerting to see the edges of the rubber grip rings fray in the first dozen uses on rough surfaces.

However, damage to the grip rings does not compromise the performance of the ball and socket. Though other Gorillapods by Joby can support SLR cameras, springing for Gorillapod Focus is a worthwhile investment for the confidence it instills.

images/JobyCombine the Focus with the Joby Ballhead X (MSRP $69.95), and you have an unstoppable set up that opens the artistic possibilities.

It has three sturdy yet discreet knobs that control the camera’s lateral rotation, vertical drop in the socket and the mounting plate. Ballhead X makes vertical photos as simple as horizontal ones.

Her family in San Jose, California and Julian Alps heritage made it easy for her to fall in love with the Stanislaus Mountains ski slopes, the San Francisco Bay from a 42-foot Catalina and the Redwoods covering Big Sur.